MIAMI, March 16 (UPI) -- Dwayne Wade scored 23 points, Caron Butler 21 and Rafer Alston eight of his 17 in the fourth quarter Tuesday as Miami beat New Orleans, 96-83.
Lamar Odom was ejected with 1:58 left in the third quarter for picking up his second technical foul. After driving in the lane, Odom crashed into Hornets swingman Stacey Augmon, who was called for a blocking foul.
Odom made his first free throw, then was given a technical foul for arguing with Robert Traylor while at the foul line. Samaki Walker replaced Odom and sank the second free throw to give Miami a 68-56 lead.
Miami held just a 70-66 lead early in the fourth quarter before Butler and Alston made back-to-back three-pointers to open a 10-point cushion with 10:18 remaining.
Baron Davis had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Hornets.
